Versace Biggie Medallion Gold-Tone Luxury Sunglasses
Luxury Eyewear / Accessories · Yellow Gold Tone (Warm-tone alloy characteristic of Italian luxury fashion plating).
Purity: Gold-plated (EP/Electroplated) or Gold-toned Base Metal. For fashion eyewear of this brand, the gold content is typically a surface layer over a durable base metal like stainless steel or monel, rather than solid gold.
Type
Luxury Eyewear / Accessories
Purity
Gold-plated (EP/Electroplated) or Gold-toned Base Metal. For fashion eyewear of this brand, the gold content is typically a surface layer over a durable base metal like stainless steel or monel, rather than solid gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Tone (Warm-tone alloy characteristic of Italian luxury fashion plating).
Weight
Estimated total weight 45-60 grams (total item weight inclusive of lenses and acetate components). Not measured by gold weight (troy oz/dwt) as it is not solid bullion.
Description
A bold and iconic piece of luxury eyewear featuring the signature Versace Medusa head. These sunglasses represent the 'Medusa Biggie' collection, characterized by oversized square frames and decorative temple medallions. The gold-tone metal frame offers a striking contrast against the dark lenses and black accents, embodying the extravagant and baroque aesthetic of the house of Versace.
Key Features
3D Medusa medallion on temples, double-bridge aviator-square hybrid silhouette, and iconic 'Versace' branding on the accompanying hard case.
Color & Finish
Rich yellow gold high-polish finish. The temple features a high-contrast black enamel or resin medallion containing a three-dimensional gold-tone Medusa head logo.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually includes 'VERSACE', 'MADE IN ITALY', and a serial number or model code (e.g., VE 2235 or similar) etched on the inner temples. Purity stamps like 18K/14K are generally absent, confirming it is plated fashion jewelry.
Dimensions Estimate
Standard oversized fit; Lens width approximately 58-62mm, Bridge 15-18mm, Temple length 140-145mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
No precious gemstones; features a circular black resin/enamel inlay on the temples acting as a mount for the Medusa emblem.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated barrel hinges connecting the temples to the frame front; precision-tensioned for comfort and durability.
Chain & Links
Not a chain; features rigid, straight metal temples with a central structural decorative medallion. The bridge architecture is a double-bar aviator style.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality injection molding for the black elements; precision machine-stamped metal components with hand-assembled hinges and high-gloss electroplating.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the Medusa head, crispness of the 'VERSACE' logo on the case, quality of the screw-in hinges, and the specific weightiness of the metal versus cheap plastic imitations.
Origin & Maker
Made in Italy by Versace (Luxottica Group). Versace is a world-renowned Italian luxury fashion house.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2020-present) design, heavily inspired by the '90s 'Biggie' hip-hop era popularized by The Notorious B.I.G.
Age Estimate
Circa 2021-2024 production based on the 'Medusa Biggie' design relaunch.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury motifs in pop culture and serves as a primary status symbol in modern streetwear and high-fashion circles.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the gold plating appears bright with minimal surface scratching. Lenses appear clear. Case shows minor shelf wear. Presence of original case adds to collector value.
Value Estimate
Retail replacement value: $300 - $450 USD. Resale market value: $150 - $275 USD. Value is based on brand prestige and design, not intrinsic gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth and specialized lens cleaner; avoid household soaps. Wipe gold-tone metal with a dry cloth after wear to remove oils and prevent plating degradation; store in the provided hard case.
Similar Items
Cazal 607 sunglasses, Cartier Panthère sunglasses (solid gold or gold-filled versions), and Gucci Aviators.
Interesting Facts
The 'Medusa Biggie' style became a cultural icon in the 1990s after rapper Biggie Smalls frequently wore them, making them a permanent fixture in the intersection of high fashion and hip-hop culture.